Non-contact power transmission device and non-contact power transmission/reception system

ABSTRACT

Provided is non-contact power transmission/reception technique which is easy to be used while ensuring consideration for safety. A non-contact power transmission device  100  that wirelessly transfers generated transmission power to a non-contact power reception device  200  comprises a transmission power generation unit  120  configured to perform generation of the transmission power and a control unit  117  configured to control the generation of the transmission power. The control unit 117 is further configured to control the generation of the transmission power which is performed by the transmission power generation unit  120  in accordance with a surrounding environment in which at least one of the non-contact power transmission device  100  and the non-contact power reception device  200 , or at least one of states of these devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/978,371, filed Sep. 4, 2020, which is based on PCT filingPCT/JP2018/011522, filed Mar. 22, 2018, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to non-contact powertransmission/reception technique for performing powertransmission/reception in a non-contact manner.

BACKGROUND ART

Since non-contact power transfer does not require a metallic contactpoint, it is possible to prevent contact failure and leakage ofelectricity due to moisture, dust, etc. In addition, since it is easy tosecure waterproof performance, non-contact power transfer is adopted foran electric device used in a water section.

For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a bathtub with a non-contactpower transfer function “comprising a drive control unit which includes:a drive target detection means for generating a detectable period, inwhich only one of a plurality of non-contact power transfer units isdriven, at every predetermined time by sequentially switching thenon-contact power transfer units to be driven, measuring impedance whenviewing a power reception side from the currently driven non-contactpower transfer unit during the detectable period, determining whether anon-contact power reception unit is disposed opposite to the non-contactpower transfer unit based on the measured impedance so as to detectwhether the non-contact power reception unit is disposed opposite toeach non-contact power transfer unit; and a drive means for driving onlythe non-contact power transfer unit disposed opposite to the non-contactpower reception unit” (excerpted from Abstract).

Furthermore, Patent Literature 2 discloses a display system for anon-contact power transfer system, comprising “a display unit thatvisually displays a piece of image information transmitted from anelectric shaver as a target of non-contact power transfer. The electricshaver includes a power reception unit, an authentication informationhold unit, an imaging unit, and a first wireless communication unit. Apower transmission unit includes a second wireless communication unit,an authentication circuit, and a display unit. The power transmissionunit is configured to transmit power when the authentication informationto be received represents the electric shaver authenticated by theauthentication circuit, and the display unit visually displays, in realtime, image information transmitted in real time from an imaging deviceof the electric shaver” (excerpted from Abstract).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent Literature 1: JP 2009-159684 A-   Patent Literature 2: JP 2014-50127 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

According to Patent Literature 1, a non-contact power transfer unit onwhich an electric device to be supplied with power is installed isdetected among from a plurality of non-contact power transfer units,thereby suppressing unnecessary power consumption and thus savingenergy. According to Patent Literature 2, it is possible to improveconvenience of an electric device which is a target of non-contact powertransfer. However, both Literatures do not consider safety.

For example, when a metallic foreign substance such as a metal pieceexists in a wireless power transfer area, there is a possibility thatthe metallic foreign substance generates heat under an influence of thewireless power transfer power. In addition, as described above, thenon-contact power transfer has been increasingly applied to electricdevices around a water section. When using an electrical device aroundthe water section, for example, deterioration of waterproof insulationperformance tends to proceed.

The present invention has been made in view of the circumstancesdescribed above, and an object thereof is to provide non-contact powertransmission/reception technique which is easy to be used while ensuringconsideration for safety.

Solution to Problem

According to the present invention, it is provided a non-contact powertransmission device that wirelessly transfers generated transmissionpower to a non-contact power reception device, the non-contact powertransmission device including: a transmission power generation unitconfigured to perform generation of the transmission power; and acontrol unit configured to control the generation of the transmissionpower which is performed by the transmission power generation unit,wherein the control unit is further configured to control the generationof the transmission power which is performed by the transmission powergeneration unit in accordance with a surrounding environment in which atleast one of the non-contact power transmission device and thenon-contact power reception device, or at least one of a state of thenon-contact power transmission device and a state of the non-contactpower reception device.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is provided anon-contact power transmission/reception system including: thenon-contact power transmission device described above; and thenon-contact power reception device, wherein the non-contact powerreception device includes: a battery that is charged with transmissionpower transferred from the non-contact power transmission device; and abattery level detection unit configured to detect a battery level of thebattery, and when the battery level is equal to or lower than apredetermined threshold, transmit a low battery level signal to thenon-contact power transmission device, and wherein the control unit ofthe non-contact power transmission device is configured to make thetransmission power generation unit generate the transmission power in acase of receiving the low battery level signal.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

By using the technique according to the present invention, it ispossible to provide a non-contact power transmission/reception techniquewhich is easy to be used while ensuring consideration for safety. Theproblems, configurations, and effects other than those described abovewill be clarified by explanation of the embodiments below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 explains an example of use of a non-contact powertransmission/reception system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a non-contact powertransmission/reception system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a function block diagram of a control unit of a non-contactpower transmission device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of transmission power generationprocessing according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of transmission power generationprocessing according to a first modification of a first embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of transmission power generationprocessing according to a second modification of a first embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of transmission power generationprocessing according to a third modification of a first embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of transmission power generationprocessing according to a fourth modification of a first embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of transmission power generationprocessing according to a fifth modification of a first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a function block diagram of a control unit of a non-contactpower transmission device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of transmission power generationprocessing according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a function block diagram of a control unit of a non-contactpower transmission device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of transmission power generationprocessing according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a function block diagram of a control unit of a non-contactpower transmission device according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart of processing performed by a controlunit of a non-contact power transmission device according to a fourthembodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flowchart of transmission power generationprocessing according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a flowchart of transmission power generationprocessing according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a flowchart of transmission power generationprocessing according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a function block diagram of a control unit of a modificationof a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 20 explains an example of use of a non-contact powertransmission/reception system according to a modification of the presentinvention.

FIG. 21 explains an example of use of a non-contact powertransmission/reception system according to a modification of the presentinvention.

FIG. 22 explains an example of use of a non-contact power transmissionreception system according to a modification of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the drawings. In the following description, componentshaving the same functions are provided with the same reference signsunless otherwise specified, and repetitive explanation thereof will beomitted.

First Embodiment

First, an example of use of a non-contact power transmission/receptionsystem 101 according to a first embodiment of the present invention willbe described. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of use when the non-contactpower transmission device 100 according to the present embodimentsupplies power to a bubble generator 220 disposed as a non-contact powerreception device 200 in a bathtub 350 of a bathroom 330.

[Non-Contact Power Transmission System]

The non-contact power transmission/reception system 101 according to thepresent embodiment includes a non-contact power transmission device 100,the bubble generator 220 which is the non-contact power reception device200, and various detection units for detecting a state in the bathroom330. In the present embodiment, as the detection units, an illuminationlighting detection unit 301, a human sensor unit 302, a userauthentication sensor unit 303, a water sensor unit 304, and a dooropening/closing lock detection unit 305 are provided. Each of thesedetection units is disposed in the bathroom 330.

The non-contact power transmission device 100 generates transmissionpower by using an AC power source which receives power supplied from acommercial power source 370, and wirelessly transfers the power(non-contact power transfer) to the non-contact power reception device200 (bubble generator 220). In the present embodiment, the non-contactpower transmission device 100 is disposed, for example, in the bathroom330, and configured to control generation of transmission power inresponse to detection signals from the various detection units disposedin the bathroom 330.

The bubble generator 220 is disposed in the bathtub 350 to be immersedin water in a non-contact state with the non-contact power transmissiondevice 100. The bubble generator 220 is configured to perform functionaloperations by the power wirelessly transferred from the non-contactpower transmission device 100. It may be configured that the powerwirelessly transferred is once charged into an internal battery of thebubble generator 220 so as to allow the bubble generator 220 to performthe functional operations by using a battery power source.

The bubble generator 220 according to the present embodiment performs,for example, functional operation of generating bubbles in the water inthe bathtub 350. The bubbles generated by the bubble generator 220enhance cleaning of pores of the human body and retention ofheat/moisture.

The illumination lighting detection unit 301 is configured to detectlighting of a bathroom illumination 360 provided in the bathroom 330.Upon detection of the lighting of the bathroom illumination 360, theillumination lighting detection unit 301 generates an illuminationlighting detection signal and transmits it to the non-contact powertransmission device 100. In the present embodiment, as the illuminationlighting detection unit 301, for example, an illuminance sensor is used.In the present embodiment, the illumination lighting detection unit 301detects illuminance around the illuminance sensor at predetermined timeintervals, and when the illuminance near the illuminance sensor is equalto or greater than a predetermined value, outputs the illuminationlighting detection signal.

The bathroom illumination 360 is provided on, for example, a ceilingportion of a bathroom wall surface 331. The bathroom illumination 360 isturned on/off by a lighting switch (SW) 361 disposed outside thebathroom 330 and near a bathroom door 332. Accordingly, when theillumination lighting detection unit 301 can be interlocked with thelighting SW 361, it may be configured to determine the lighting orlighting off based on an ON/OFF operation signal by the lighting SW 361and output the illumination lighting detection signal.

The human sensor unit 302 is configured to detect the presence orabsence of a person 390 in the bathroom 330. The human sensor unit 302determines the presence or absence of the person 390 in the bathroom 330at predetermined time intervals, and when detecting the presence of theperson 390, generates a human detection signal, and transmits it to thenon-contact power transmission device 100. The human sensor unit 302detects the presence or absence of the person 390 by using, for example,infrared rays, ultrasonic waves, and visible light.

The user authentication sensor unit 303 is configured to performpersonal authentication and transmit a result thereof to the non-contactpower transmission device 100 as a personal authentication signal. Thepersonal authentication signal includes information indicating successor failure of the authentication. The personal authentication isperformed by using, for example, a fingerprint, the retina of an eye,and facial appearance.

The water sensor unit 304 is configured to detect whether the bubblegenerator 220 is immersed in the water. When detecting that the bubblegenerator 220 is immersed in the water, the water sensor unit 304generates a water immersion detection signal and transmits it to thenon-contact power transmission device 100. Furthermore, the water sensorunit 304 may be configured to detect temperature of the water in thebathtub 350 and transmit it to the non-contact power transmission device100 as a water temperature detection signal.

The door opening/closing lock detection unit 305 is configured to detectopening/closing and locking of the bathroom door 332 via a door knob333. The door opening/closing lock detection unit 305 transmits a dooropening/closing detection signal when detecting opening/closing of thebathroom door 332, transmits a lock detection signal when detecting thatthe bathroom door 332 is locked, in other words, detecting a lockingoperation, and transmits an unlock detection signal when detecting thatthe bathroom door 332 is unlocked, in other words, detecting anunlocking operation, respectively to the non-contact power transmissiondevice 100.

The bathroom 330 may further include a bathtub water heating device 340for heating the water in the bathtub 350. The bathtub water heatingdevice 340 includes a power switch 342 and a heating unit 341. In thesame manner as the non-contact power transmission device 100, thebathtub water heating device 340 is supplied with AC power from thecommercial power source 370, and heats the water in the bathtub 350 to adesired temperature by means of the heating unit 341.

It should be noted that all the detection units described above are notnecessarily provided, but only necessary detection units may be providedin accordance each control processing.

[Non-Contact Power Transmission Device]

As described above, the non-contact power transmission device 100according to the present embodiment is supplied with AC power from thecommercial power source 370, and generates transmission power to besupplied to the bubble generator 220 in response to detection signalsfrom each of the detection units. FIG. 2 illustrates the configurationof the non-contact power transmission/reception system 101 according tothe present embodiment for realizing the above.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the non-contact power transmission device 100according to the present embodiment includes a rectifier unit 111, atransmission power generation unit 120, a power transfer coil 116, acontrol unit 117, a memory unit 118, a display operation input unit 121,a sound input/output processing unit 124, a near field communicationunit 123, and a bus 129.

The transmission power generation unit 120 includes a DC-DC converterunit 112 and a transmission power generation amplification unit 115. Thetransmission power generation amplification unit 115 includes aresonance frequency generation unit 113 and an amplification unit 114.The near field communication unit 123 includes a communication unit 122and a transmission/reception antenna 125. Each constituent unit,excluding the rectifier unit 111 and the power transfer coil 116, isconnected to each other via the bus 129.

The state detection units such as the illumination lighting detectionunit 301, the human sensor unit 302, the user authentication sensor unit303, the water sensor unit 304, and the door opening/closing lockdetection unit 305 are also connected to the bus 129.

The AC power from the commercial power source 370 is rectified by therectifier unit 111, supplied to the DC-DC converter unit 112, and thenconverted to DC power transfer voltage by the DC-DC converter unit 112.The DC-DC converter unit 112 is configured to perform control so as toselectively output the DC power transfer voltage from the DC-DCconverter unit 112 in response to an instruction output from the controlunit 117, and supply it as a power source for the amplification unit 114in the transmission power generation amplification unit 115.

The resonance frequency generation unit 113 in the transmission powergeneration amplification unit 115 is configured to generate a clocksignal having a resonance frequency of magnetic field resonance couplingtype wireless power transfer, and output it to the amplification unit114. The amplification unit 114 amplifies the clock signal from theresonance frequency generation unit 113 in response to the DC powertransfer voltage from the DC-DC converter unit 112, and supplies it tothe power transfer coil 116 as transmission power.

The control unit 117 includes a CPU 117 c and a RAM 117 r. The CPU 117 cloads a program stored in the memory unit 118 into the RAM 117 r andexecutes the program, thereby controlling each unit of the non-contactpower transmission device 100. For control processing, data stored inthe memory unit 118 in advance and signals acquired from each of thedetection units and other constituent units via the bus 129 are used.

For example, the control unit 117 controls a power transmissionoperation in the non-contact power transmission device 100, by usinginformation stored in the memory unit 118, in response to input/outputsignals from the illumination lighting detection unit 301, the humansensor unit 302, the user authentication sensor unit 303, the watersensor unit 304, the door opening/closing lock detection unit 305, thedisplay operation input unit 121, the sound input/output processing unit124, and the near field communication unit 123. Details of the controlprocessing performed by the control unit 117 will be described later.

The memory unit 118 is a flash memory, etc., and is configured to storea program used by the control unit 117, various types of information setand input by the display operation input unit 121, etc. The varioustypes of information stored therein are, for example, power receptiondevice recognition information (identification information) indicatingthat the installed bubble generator 220 is a device with which power istransferred wirelessly from the non-contact power transmission device100, and personal authentication information generated by personalauthentication of the user. The information above is used in otherembodiments which will be described later.

The display operation input unit 121 includes a liquid crystal panel,etc., and is configured to display an operation state of the non-contactpower transmission device 100. The operation state to be displayedthereon includes, for example, power ON/OFF and power modes oftransmission power. In addition, the display operation input unit 121accepts an input by the user via a display surface of the liquid crystalpanel. The input to be accepted includes, for example, an operationinput such as turning on the power of the non-contact power transmissiondevice, and a preliminary registration input of such as the powerreception device recognition information and the personal authenticationinformation.

The near field communication unit 123 is configured to be controlled bythe control unit 117 so as to perform transmission/reception ofinformation with the bubble generator 220 in a range in which near fieldcommunication can be performed. The near field communication isperformed by using, for example, an electronic tag. Meanwhile, thepresent invention is not limited thereto, and can use various methodsand techniques of the near field communication. For example, Bluetooth(registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), Zigbee(registered trademark), HomeRF (Home Radio Frequency, registeredtrademark), or radio LAN (IEEE802.11a, IEEE802.11b, IEEE802.11g) may beused.

The sound input/output processing unit 124 is configured to performprocessing of sound input/output to or from the non-contact powertransmission device 100. The sound input/output processing unit 124includes, for example, a microphone for inputting external sound and aspeaker for outputting sound to the outside. In the present embodiment,the sound input/output processing unit 124 outputs various alarms bysound in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 117.

[Non-Contact Power Reception Device (Bubble Generator)]

Next, the configuration of the bubble generator 220 serving as thenon-contact power reception device 200 will be described. As illustratedin FIG. 2 , the bubble generator 220 according to the present embodimentincludes a power receiving coil 216, a rectifier unit 211, a DC voltagecurrent supply unit 212, a battery level detection unit 213, a battery214, a functional unit 215, a control unit 217, a memory unit 218, adisplay operation input unit 221, a near field communication unit 223,and a sound input/output processing unit 224. The near fieldcommunication unit 223 includes a communication unit 222 and atransmission/reception antenna 225. Each unit, excluding the powerreceiving coil 216, the rectifier unit 211 and the battery 214, isconnected to each other via a bus 229.

In the bubble generator 220, transmission power supplied from the powertransfer coil 116 is received by the power receiving coil 216, andrectified by the rectifier unit 211 into a direct current. Thereafter,the voltage is stabilized by the DC voltage current supply unit 212, andan output current corresponding to the received power is supplied to thebattery 214 to charge the battery 214.

The functional unit 215 is configured to generate bubbles in water byusing the power supplied from the battery 214.

The control unit 217 includes a CPU 217 c and a RAM 217 r. The CPU 217 cloads an operation program stored in the memory unit 218 into the RAM217 r and executes the program, thereby controlling each unit andperforming various kinds of processing.

The memory unit 218 is a flash memory, etc., and is configured to storevarious programs used by the control unit 217 and information such aspower reception device recognition information set and input by thedisplay operation input unit 221.

The display operation input unit 221 includes a liquid crystal panel,etc., and is configured to display an operation state of the bubblegenerator 220. The operation state to be displayed thereon includes, forexample, power ON/OFF. In addition, the display operation input unit 221accepts an input by the user via a display surface of the liquid crystalpanel. The input to be accepted includes, for example, an operationinput such as turning on the power of the bubble generator 220 and apreliminary registration input of such as the power reception devicerecognition information.

The near field communication unit 223 has the same configuration as thenear field communication unit 123. The near field communication unit 223is configured to be controlled by the control unit 217, and performtransmission/reception of information such as the power reception devicerecognition information with the non-contact power transmission device100 in a range in which near field communication can be performed.

The battery level detection unit 213 is configured to detect a batterylevel of the battery 214 and generate a battery level detection signal.The control unit 217 transmits the battery level detection signal to thenon-contact power transmission device 100 via the near fieldcommunication unit 223. The non-contact power transmission device 100receives the battery level detection signal via the near fieldcommunication unit 223, and controls transmission power in accordancewith the received battery level detection signal.

The battery level detection signal may be transmitted to the non-contactpower transmission device 100, for example, each time it is detected, orwhen a battery level reaches a predetermined level. Specifically,examples of the case where the battery 214 is fully charged and the casewhere a predetermined threshold is reached, etc. are included.

[Functional Block]

The functions of the control unit 117 of the non-contact powertransmission device 100 will be described. In the present embodiment,when there is a high possibility that the person 390 is present aroundthe non-contact power transmission device 100, generation oftransmission power is started. In other words, when it is determinedthat the non-contact power transmission device 100 is disposed in suchan environment, generation of transmission power is started.

Specifically, upon detecting that the person 390 is in the bathroom 330,the control unit 117 according to the present embodiment provides thetransmission power generation unit 120 with an instruction to startgenerating transmission power. In addition, upon receiving a full chargesignal via the near field communication unit 123, the control unit 117provides the transmission power generation unit 120 with an instructionto stop generating the transmission power.

To realize the above, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , the control unit 117according to the present embodiment includes a signal reception unit410, a human detection unit 420, a transmission power generationinstruction unit 431, and a transmission power generation stopinstruction unit 432.

The signal reception unit 410 is configured to receive signals from eachdetection unit, and output them to each function of the control unit117. In the present embodiment, the signal reception unit 410 outputs ahuman detection signal from the human sensor unit 302 to the humandetection unit 420. In addition, in the present embodiment, uponreceiving the battery level detection signal from the bubble generator220, the signal reception unit 410 outputs it to the transmission powergeneration stop instruction unit 432 via the near field communicationunit 123.

The human detection unit 420 is configured to receive signals from eachdetection unit, and detect (determine) whether the person 390 is in thebathroom 330 (presence, absence). In the present embodiment, uponreceiving the human detection signal from the human sensor unit 302, thehuman detection unit 420 determines that the person 390 is in thebathroom 330. When determining the presence of the person 390, the humandetection unit 420 makes the transmission power generation instructionunit 431 start generating transmission power.

Upon receiving a presence detection signal from the human detectionunit, the transmission power generation instruction unit 431 providesthe transmission power generation unit 120 with an instruction togenerate the transmission power. In the present embodiment, thetransmission power generation instruction unit 431 instructs the DC-DCconverter unit 112 to output power at a predetermined DC power transfervoltage. In addition, the transmission power generation instruction unit431 makes the amplification unit 114 amplify a clock signal output fromthe resonance frequency generation unit 113 at a predeterminedamplification factor, and provides it to the power transfer coil 116.

The transmission power generation stop instruction unit 432 provides thetransmission power generation unit 120 with an instruction to stopgenerating the transmission power. In the present embodiment, whenreceiving a battery level detection signal indicating that the battery214 is fully charged via the signal reception unit 410, the transmissionpower generation stop instruction unit 432 provides an instruction tostop generating the transmission power.

[Transmission Power Generation Processing]

Hereinafter, a transmission power generation processing flow performedby the control unit 117 according to the present embodiment will bedescribed. FIG. 4 illustrates a processing flow of the transmissionpower generation processing according to the present embodiment. Thetransmission power generation processing starts when the non-contactpower transmission device 100 is activated.

In the following, it is configured that the battery level detectionsignal is not transmitted every time the battery level is detected, butis transmitted to the non-contact power transmission device 100 when thebattery 214 is fully charged. Accordingly, hereinafter, processing atthe bubble generator 220 side, which is performed when being suppliedwith the transmission power, will also be described.

The human detection unit 420 determines whether the person 390 isdetected in the bathroom 330 (step S1101). In the present embodiment,the human detection unit 420 determines whether a human detection signalhas been received via the signal reception unit 410. When not receivingthe human detection signal, the human detection unit 420 stands by as isand continues to monitor the human detection signal.

On the other hand, when the person 390 is detected (step S1101; Yes), inother words, when receiving a presence detection signal, the humandetection unit 420 transmits the presence detection signal to thetransmission power generation instruction unit 431 and provides aninstruction thereto to start generating transmission power.

Upon receiving the presence detection signal, the transmission powergeneration instruction unit 431 makes the transmission power generationunit 120 start generating transmission power (step S1102). The generatedtransmission power is transmitted to the bubble generator 220 via thepower transfer coil 116. That is, the power transfer coil 116 startstransferring the transmission power (step S1103).

At the bubble generator 220 side, the power receiving coil 216 startsreceiving the transmission power (step S1201). Then, the control unit217 starts charging the battery 214 with the received power (stepS1202).

During charging, the battery level detection unit 213 monitors acharging state of the battery 214. When the battery 214 is fully charged(step S1203), the battery level detection unit 213 transmits, charged asa battery level detection signal, a charge completion signal indicatingthat the battery is fully (step S1204).

When receiving the charge completion signal via the near fieldcommunication unit 123 (step S1104), the signal reception unit 410transmits the charge completion signal to transmission power generationstop instruction unit 432. Upon receiving the signal, the transmissionpower generation stop instruction unit 432 provides the transmissionpower generation unit 120 with an instruction to stop generating thetransmission power (step S1105), and the processing is ended.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, only when it isdetermined that there is a high possibility that the person 390 is inthe bathroom 330, the non-contact power transmission device 100 isoperated so as to transmit power to the bubble generator 220 whichserves as the non-contact power reception device 200. In other words,only when the person 390 is likely to be near the non-contact powertransmission device 100, power transmission is performed.

With this configuration, in the present embodiment, the person 390 canconfirm the surrounding environment before the non-contact powertransmission device 100 generates and transmits power. The non-contactpower transmission device 100 is operated only when a monitoring personis likely to be therearound, and accordingly, it is possible to preventa foreign object or an unexpected object from being charged. In otherwords, generation of heat and/or ignition due to charging of a foreignobject or an unexpected object can be prevented from occurring. As anunexpected foreign object, for example, an IC card is included.

Furthermore, the person 390 can also confirm a state of the non-contactpower reception device 200 used in the bathroom 330. Accordingly, forexample, when the non-contact power reception device 200 is used in anenvironment including a water section such as the bathroom 330, theperson 390 can also confirm whether waterproof insulating performance isdeteriorated before power transfer. In this way, according to thepresent embodiment, it is possible to provide the non-contact powertransmission/reception system 101 with high safety.

Still further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible towirelessly transfer power to the battery 214 regardless of an operationof the functional unit 215 of the bubble generator 220. After a chargingoperation is started, even when an operation of the functional unit 215of the bubble generator 220 is stopped, the charging operation iscontinued until the charging operation is completed. In this way, theoperation of the functional unit 215 is always started from a fullycharged state of the battery 214, and accordingly, it is possible tofurther improve the convenience.

Still further, while charging is performed in the bathroom 330, it ispossible to continue to use the operation of the functional unit 215 ofthe bubble generator 220. Since shortage of the battery 214 does notoccur at the bubble generator 220, the functional operation of thebubble generator 220 can be used continuously for a long time while auser is in the bathroom 330. In this way, according to the presentembodiment, while ensuring safety, it is possible to realize thenon-contact power transmission/reception system 101 with high usability.

In this connection, the control unit 117 may be configured to measure atime from start of power transmission, and stop generating transmissionpower when not receiving the charge completion signal even after apredetermined period has elapsed. With this configuration, even whenthere is a malfunction in the battery level detection function at thenon-contact power reception device 200 side, it is possible to preventexcessive charging, thereby providing the non-contact powertransmission/reception system 101 with higher safety.

In addition, the control unit 117 may be configured to notify that thecharging is completed when stopping the generation of the transmissionpower after receiving the charge completion signal from the bubblegenerator 220. The notification is performed, for example, by displayingto at least one of the display operation input unit 121 of thenon-contact power transmission device 100 and the display operationinput unit 221 of the non-contact power reception device 200, and/orsound input/output from at least one of the sound input/outputprocessing unit 124 and sound input/output processing unit 224, etc.

<First Modification>

In the embodiment described above, the present invention is configuredto detect the presence or absence of the person 390 at the start, andthereafter, continue to transmit power until the battery 214 is fullycharged even when the person 390 is absent. Meanwhile, the presentinvention is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example,after the start of power transmission, it may be configured to alwaysmonitor the presence or absence of the person 390 near the non-contactpower transmission device 100, and stop transmitting the power whenthere is a high possibility that the person 390 is absent.

In the following, functions of each unit and a processing flow accordingto the present modification will be described.

In the present modification, the human detection unit 420 is configuredto determine that the person 390 is absent in the bathroom 330 when notreceiving a human detection signal further for a predetermined period.Then, the human detection unit 420 outputs an absence detection signalto the transmission power generation stop instruction unit 432.

In accordance therewith, the transmission power generation stopinstruction unit 432 provides an instruction to stop generatingtransmission power also when receiving the absence detection signal fromthe human detection unit 420.

A transmission power generation processing flow performed by the controlunit 117 according to the present modification will be described withreference to FIG. 5 . In the present processing flow, the same referencesigns are provided with the same processes as those in the embodimentdescribed above with reference to FIG. 4 , and repetitive explanationthereof will be omitted. In the same manner as the first embodiment, inthe present modification, the transmission power generation processingstarts when the non-contact power transmission device 100 is activated.In the following, it is configured that the battery level detectionsignal is transmitted to the non-contact power transmission device 100when the battery 214 is fully charged.

The flow of processing until power transmission is started (steps S1101to S1103) and the processes at the bubble generator 220 side (stepsS1201 to 1204) are the same as those in the embodiment described above.

After the start of power transmission, the human detection unit 420monitors reception of a human detection signal from the human sensorunit 302 (step S1111). Then, when not receiving the human detectionsignal, the human detection unit 420 determines whether a predeterminedperiod has elapsed in a state of not receiving the signal (step S1112).When the predetermined time is not elapsed, the human detection unit 420continues to monitor the human detection signal. On the other hand, whenthe predetermined time is elapsed, the human detection unit 420 outputsan absence signal to the transmission power generation stop instructionunit 432, and the processing proceeds to step S1105.

As described above, according to the present modification, the presentinvention is configured to, after the start of power transmission,constantly monitor the presence or absence of the person 390 near thenon-contact power transmission device 100, and when the possibility thatthe person 390 is absent is increased, stop transmitting power. As aresult, it is possible to wirelessly transfer power to the bubblegenerator 220 while monitoring the safety in a state of being watched bythe user. In addition, since power transmission is stopped when theperson 390 who monitors the power transmission performed by thenon-contact power transmission device 100 is absent, it is possible torealize a non-contact power transmission/reception system with highersafety.

<Second Modification>

In the embodiment described above, the human sensor unit 302 detects thepresence or absence of the person 390 in the bathroom 330. Meanwhile,detection of the presence or absence of the person 390 according to thepresent invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Thepresence or absence of the person 390 in the bathroom 330 may bedetermined, for example, based on lighting of the bathroom illumination360. In other words, it is determined that the person 390 is in thebathroom 330 when the bathroom illumination 360 is turned on.

In this case, upon receiving an illumination lighting detection signalfrom the illumination lighting detection unit 301, the signal receptionunit 410 outputs it to the human detection unit 420. Upon receiving theillumination lighting detection signal via the signal reception unit410, the human detection unit 420 determines that the person 390 is inthe bathroom 330. Then, the human detection unit 420 makes thetransmission power generation instruction unit 431 start generatingtransmission power.

FIG. 6 illustrates a transmission power generation processing flowaccording to the present modification. In FIG. 6 , the same referencesigns are provided with the same processes as those in the embodimentdescribed above, and repetitive explanation thereof will be omitted. Inthe same manner as the first embodiment, in the present modification,the transmission power generation processing starts when the non-contactpower transmission device 100 is activated. In the following, it isconfigured that the battery level detection signal is transmitted to thenon-contact power transmission device 100 when the battery 214 is fullycharged.

In the present modification, instead of steps S1101 of the transmissionpower generation processing according to the embodiment described above,step S1121 is provided. In step S1121, the human detection unit 420detects whether the person 390 is detected in the bathroom 330 based onwhether the illumination lighting detection signal has been received viathe signal reception unit 410. The other processes are the same as thoseof the embodiment described above.

According to the present modification, when the bathroom illumination360 is turned on, it is determined that the person 390 is in thebathroom 330, and the non-contact power transmission device 100 isoperated. In the same manner as the embodiment described above, thenon-contact power transmission device 100 is operated in a state wherethere is a high possibility that the person 390 is near the non-contactpower transmission device 100, and accordingly, it is possible toprovide the non-contact power transmission/reception system 101 withhigh safety. Depending on the environment in the bathroom 330, there isa case that the illumination lighting detection unit 301 using anilluminance sensor can perform detection more sensitively than the humansensor unit 302. In such an environment, the present modification iseffective.

In the present modification, in the same manner as the firstmodification, it may be configured to, after the start of powertransmission, continue to monitor the illumination lighting detectionsignal, and when not receiving the illumination lighting detectionsignal in a predetermined period, determine that the person 390 isabsent in the bathroom 330, and perform control to stop transmittingpower.

<Third Modification>

Furthermore, the presence or absence of the person 390 in the bathroom330 may be determined, for example, based on lighting of the bathroomillumination 360 and the presence or absence of an opening/closingoperation with respect to the bathroom door 332. In other words, it isdetermined that the person 390 is in the bathroom 330 when the bathroomillumination 360 is turned on as well as when an opening/closingoperation with respect to the bathroom door 332 is made.

In this case, upon receiving the illumination lighting detection signalfrom the illumination lighting detection unit 301, the signal receptionunit 410 outputs it to the human detection unit 420. In addition, uponreceiving a door opening/closing detection signal from the dooropening/closing lock detection unit 305, the signal reception unit 410outputs it to the human detection unit 420.

Upon receiving the illumination lighting detection signal and the dooropening/closing detection signal via the signal reception unit 410, thehuman detection unit 420 determines that the person 390 is in thebathroom 330. Then, the human detection unit 420 makes the transmissionpower generation instruction unit 431 start generating transmissionpower.

FIG. 7 illustrates a transmission power generation processing flowaccording to the present modification. In FIG. 7 , the same referencesigns are provided with the same processes as those in the embodimentdescribed above, and repetitive explanation thereof will be omitted. Inthe same manner as that of the first embodiment, in the presentmodification, the transmission power generation processing starts whenthe non-contact power transmission device 100 is activated. In thefollowing, it is configured that the battery level detection signal istransmitted to the non-contact power transmission device 100 when thebattery 214 is fully charged.

In the present modification, instead of step S1101 of the transmissionpower generation processing according to the embodiment described above,step S1131 and step S1132 are provided.

First, the human detection unit 420 determines whether the illuminationlighting detection signal has been received via the signal receptionunit 410 (step S1131). When not receiving the illumination lightingdetection signal, the human detection unit 420 continues to monitor theillumination lighting detection signal.

On the other hand, in step S1131, when receiving the illuminationlighting detection signal, the human detection unit 420 determineswhether the door opening/closing detection signal is received via thesignal reception unit 410 (step S1132). When the human detection unit420 does not receive the door opening/closing detection signal, theprocessing returns to step S1131 and the human detection unit 420continues to monitor the detection signal.

On the other hand, in step S1132, when receiving the dooropening/closing detection signal, the human detection unit 420determines that the person 390 is in the bathroom 330, and theprocessing proceeds to step S1102. The subsequent processes are the sameas those of the embodiment described above.

It should be noted that either of the determination as to whether theillumination lighting detection signal has been received and thedetermination as to whether the door opening/closing detection signalhas been received may be performed first.

According to the present modification, when the bathroom illumination360 is turned on and when an opening/closing operation of the bathroomdoor 332 is made, it is determined that the person 390 is in thebathroom 330, and thus the non-contact power transmission device 100 isoperated. In the same manner as the embodiment described above, thenon-contact power transmission device 100 is operated in a state wherethere is a high possibility that the person 390 is near the non-contactpower transmission device 100, and accordingly, it is possible toprovide the non-contact power transmission/reception system 101 withhigh safety.

In the present embodiment, since the opening/closing operation of thebathroom door 332 is also added to the determination, the presence orabsence of the person 390 in the bathroom 330 can be determined moreaccurately.

In the present modification, in the same manner as the firstmodification, it may be configured to, after the start of powertransmission, continue to monitor the illumination lighting detectionsignal, and when not receiving the illumination lighting detectionsignal in a predetermined period, determine that the person 390 isabsent in the bathroom 330, and perform control to stop transmitting thepower.

Furthermore, it may be configured to, after the start of powertransmission, continue to monitor the door opening/closing detectionsignal, and when receiving the door opening/closing detection signalagain, determine that the person 390 has left the bathroom 330, andperform control to stop transmitting the power.

<Fourth Modification>

Still further, detection performed by the human sensor unit 302 may alsobe added to the third modification. That is, upon receiving theillumination lighting detection signal, the door opening/closingdetection signal, and the human detection signal in the bathroom 330 viathe signal reception unit 410, the human detection unit 420 determinesthat the person 390 is in the bathroom 330. Then, the human detectionunit 420 makes the transmission power generation instruction unit 431start generating transmission power.

FIG. 8 illustrates a transmission power generation processing flowaccording to the present modification. In FIG. 8 , the same referencesigns are provided with the same processes as those in the embodimentdescribed above, and repetitive explanation thereof will be omitted. Inthe same manner as that of the first embodiment, in the presentmodification, the transmission power generation processing starts whenthe non-contact power transmission device 100 is activated. In thefollowing, it is configured that the battery level detection signal istransmitted to the non-contact power transmission device 100 when thebattery 214 fully charged.

In the present modification, instead of step S1101 of the transmissionpower generation processing according to the embodiment described above,step S1141, step S1142 and step S1143 are provided.

First, the human detection unit 420 determines whether the illuminationlighting detection signal has been received via the signal receptionunit 410 (step S1141). When not receiving the illumination lightingdetection signal, the human detection unit 420 continues to monitor theillumination lighting detection signal.

On the other hand, in step S1141, when receiving the illuminationlighting detection signal, the human detection unit 420 determineswhether the door opening/closing detection signal has been received viathe signal reception unit 410 (step S1142). When not receiving the dooropening/closing detection signal, the processing returns to step S1141and the human detection unit 420 continues to monitor the detectionsignal.

On the other hand, in step S1142, when receiving the dooropening/closing detection signal, the human detection unit 420determines whether the human detection signal has been received via thesignal reception unit 410 (step S1143). When not receiving the dooropening/closing detection signal, the processing returns to step S1141and the human detection unit 420 continues to monitor the detectionsignal.

On the other hand, in step S1143, when receiving the human detectionsignal, the human detection unit 420 determines that the person 390 isin the bathroom 330, and the processing proceeds to step S1102. Thesubsequent processes are the same as those of the embodiment describedabove.

It should be noted that the processing order of the determination as towhether the illumination lighting detection signal has been received,the determination as to whether the door opening/closing detectionsignal has been received, and the determination as to whether the humandetection signal has been received does not matter herein.

According to the present modification, when the bathroom illumination360 is turned on, when the opening/closing operation of the bathroomdoor 332 is made, and when the human detection signal is received, it isdetermined that the person 390 is in the bathroom 330, and thus thenon-contact power transmission device 100 is operated. That is, whetherthe person 390 is in the bathroom 330 is determined based on the outputsfrom the three different sensors. With this configuration, the presenceor absence of the person 390 can be detected with high accuracyregardless of the environment in the bathroom 330.

As a result, in the same manner as the embodiment described above, thenon-contact power transmission device 100 is operated in a state wherethere is a high possibility that the person 390 is near the non-contactpower transmission device 100, and accordingly, it is possible toprovide the non-contact power transmission/reception system 101 withhigh safety.

In the present modification, whether the door opening/closing detectionsignal is received may not be used in the determination. In other words,the human detection unit 420 may be configured to determine that theperson 390 is in the bathroom 330 when receiving the illuminationlighting detection signal and the human detection signal.

In the present modification, in the same manner as each of themodifications, it may be configured to, after the start of powertransmission, continue to monitor the illumination lighting detectionsignal, and when not receiving the illumination lighting detectionsignal in a predetermined period, determine that the person 390 isabsent in the bathroom 330, and perform control to stop transmitting thepower.

Furthermore, it may be configured to, after the start of powertransmission, continue to monitor the door opening/closing detectionsignal, and when receiving the door opening/closing detection signalagain, determine that the person 390 is absent in the bathroom 330, andperform control to stop transmitting the power.

<Fifth Modification>

Furthermore, the presence or absence of the person 390 in the bathroom330 may be determined based on a lock detection signal and an unlockdetection signal output from the door opening/closing lock detectionunit 305.

Normally, the bathroom 330 is locked when the person 390 enters thebathroom. After the bathroom 330 is locked, the bathroom 330 is unlockedwhen the person 390 leaves the bathroom 330. Accordingly, the presentmodification utilizes the above and determines the presence or absenceof the person 390 in the bathroom 330.

In this case, upon receiving the lock detection signal from the dooropening/closing lock detection unit 305, the signal reception unit 410out it to the human detection unit 420. Upon receiving the unlockdetection signal, the signal reception unit 410 outputs it to thetransmission power Generation stop instruction unit 432.

Upon receiving the lock detection signal via the signal reception unit410, the human detection unit 420 determines that the person 390 is inthe bathroom 330. Then, the human detection unit 420 provides thetransmission power generation instruction unit 431 with an instructionto start generating transmission power.

During the generation of transmission power, when receiving the unlockdetection signal via the signal reception unit 410, the transmissionpower generation stop instruction unit 432 makes the transmission powergeneration unit 120 stop generating the transmission power.

FIG. 9 illustrates a transmission power generation processing flowaccording to the present modification. In FIG. 9 , the same referencesigns are provided with the same processes as those in the embodimentdescribed above, and repetitive explanation thereof will be omitted. Inthe same manner as that of the first embodiment, in the presentmodification, the transmission power generation processing starts whenthe non-contact power transmission device 100 is activated. In thefollowing, it is configured that the battery level detection signal istransmitted to the non-contact power transmission device 100 when thebattery 214 is fully charged.

In the present modification, instead of step S1101 of the transmissionpower generation according to the embodiment described above, step S1151is provided.

That is, the human detection unit 420 determines whether the lockdetection signal has been received via the signal reception unit 410(step S1151). When not receiving the lock detection signal, the humandetection unit 420 continues to monitor the lock detection signal.

On the other hand, when receiving the lock detect on signal in stepS1151, the human detection unit 420 determines that the person 390 is inthe bathroom 330, and the processing proceeds to step S1102.

In the present modification, after the start of power transmission, thetransmission power generation stop instruction unit 432 monitors theunlock detection signal (step S1152). Then, when receiving the unlockdetection signal, the processing proceeds to step S1105, and thetransmission power generation stop instruction unit 432 makes thetransmission power generation unit 120 stop generating the transmissionpower.

Also in the present modification, it may be configured to, once startingthe generation of transmission power and even when the person 390 leavesthe bathroom 330, continue to transmit power until the charging iscompleted. In such a case, the process in step S1152 may not beperformed.

Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Inthe present embodiment, regardless of presence or absence of the person390 in the bathroom 330, the non-contact power transmission device 100performs charging to the bubble generator 220. However, depending on thepresence or absence of the person 390 in the bathroom 330, the powerduring charging is changed. In other words, when it is determined thatthe person 390 is in the bathroom 330, power transmission is performedat a power level lower than a case where it is determined that theperson 390 is absent.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the non-contact powertransmission device 100 is configured to change a level of power to begenerated depending on a case where it is disposed in an environment inwhich the person 390 is present therearound or a case where it isdisposed in an environment in which the person 390 is absent, therebyimproving safety.

The configuration of the non-contact power transmission/reception system101 according to the present embodiment is basically the same as that ofthe first embodiment. Hereinafter, some of the configuration which aredifferent from those of the first embodiment will be focused anddescribed. In the present embodiment as well, a case where the bubblegenerator 220 disposed in the bathtub 350 of the bathroom 330 is used asthe non-contact power reception device 200 will be described as anexample.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the transmission powergeneration unit 120 is the one which can generate transmission power intwo levels. The transmission power with the higher power level is calledhigh transmission power while the transmission power of with the lowerpower level is called low transmission power.

The DC voltage output from the DC-DC converter unit 112 to theamplification unit 114 is changed in accordance with an instruction fromthe control unit 117, which produces the transmission power at eachpower level.

That is, in the present embodiment, upon receiving an instruction togenerate the high transmission power from the control unit 117, thetransmission power generation unit 120 makes the DC-DC converter unit112 output a DC voltage, which is higher than a voltage generated whenreceiving an instruction to generate the low transmission power, to theamplification unit 114. The DC voltages output corresponding to eachpower level are predetermined, and stored such as in the memory unit118.

[Functional Block]

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 117 of thenon-contact power transmission device 100 according to the presentembodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the control unit 117 accordingto the present embodiment includes a power determination unit 440 inaddition to the configuration according to the first embodiment.

The transmission power generation instruction unit 431 according to thepresent embodiment provides the transmission power generation unit 120with an instruction to generate transmission power at the power leveldetermined by the power determination unit 440. At the time when thenon-contact power transmission device 100 is activated, the transmissionpower generation instruction unit 431 makes the transmission powergeneration unit 120 start generating transmission power at apredetermined power level. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, acase where the initial power is determined to be high power will bedescribed as an example.

After generation of transmission power is started, the powerdetermination unit 440 determines power in accordance with a detectionresult by the human detection unit 420 and outputs it to thetransmission power generation instruction unit 431.

In the present embodiment, when the human detection unit 420 detectsthat the person 390 is in the bathroom 330, the power determination unit440 determines that the power should be low. On the other hand, when theperson 390 is not detected, the power determination unit 440 determinesthat the power should be high.

The detection of the person 390 by the human detection unit 420 may beperformed by any of the methods described in the first embodiment andits modifications.

[Transmission Power Generation Processing]

Hereinafter, a transmission power generation processing flow performedby the control unit 117 according to the present embodiment will bedescribed. FIG. 11 illustrates a processing flow of the transmissionpower generation processing according to the present embodiment. Thetransmission power generation processing starts when the non-contactpower transmission device 100 is activated. It is configured such that abattery level detection signal is not transmitted every time a batterylevel is detected, but is transmitted to the non-contact powertransmission device 100 when the battery 214 is fully charged.

Upon detecting that the non-contact power transmission device 100 isactivated, first, the transmission power generation instruction unit 431makes the transmission power generation unit 120 generate hightransmission power (step S2101).

After generation of the power transmission is started, the humandetection unit 420 determines whether the person 390 is detected in thebathroom 330 (step S2102). Then, the human detection unit 420 outputs adetermination result to the power determination unit 440.

When the person 390 is not detected, the power determination unit 440determines the transmission power to be generated should be hightransmission power, and provides the transmission power generationinstruction unit 431 with an instruction. In response thereto, thetransmission power generation instruction unit 431 makes thetransmission power generation unit 120 generate high transmission power(step S2103).

On the other hand, when the person 390 is detected, the powerdetermination unit 440 determines the transmission power to be generatedshould be low transmission power, and provides the transmission powergeneration instruction unit 431 with an instruction. In responsethereto, the transmission power generation instruction unit 431 makesthe transmission power generation unit 120 generate low transmissionpower (step S2104).

The transmission power generation stop instruction unit 432 determineswhether an instruction to stop the non-contact power transmission device100, or an instruction to stop generating the transmission power hasbeen received (step S2105). When receiving either of the instructions,the transmission power generation stop instruction unit 432 makes thetransmission power generation unit 120 stop generating the transmissionpower (step S2108), and the processing is ended.

In this connection, an instruction to stop the non-contact powertransmission device 100 and an instruction to stop generating thetransmission power are accepted, for example, by the display operationinput unit 121. The transmission power generation stop instruction unit432 receives these instructions via the signal reception unit 410.

In step S2105, when not receiving the instruction of stopping, thetransmission power generation stop instruction unit 432 determineswhether a charge completion signal has been received from the bubblegenerator 220 (step S2106). When the transmission power generation stopinstruction unit 432 receives the charge completion signal, theprocessing proceeds to step S2108.

On the other hand, when the transmission power generation stopinstruction unit 432 does not receive the charge completion signal, thepower determination unit 440 returns to the process in step S2102 whilethe processing is continued.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in thenon-contact power transmission device 100, transmission power is usuallygenerated at high power, and supplied to the non-contact power receptiondevice 200. In this case, in the non-contact power reception device 200,the battery 214 is charged at high speed.

On the other hand, when the person 390 is near the non-contact powertransmission device 100, the transmission power is generated andsupplied at low power. With this configuration, it is possible to reduceexposure of high power to the human body, thereby improving the safetyof the human body when using the non-contact powertransmission/reception system 101 in the bathroom 330.

In this way, according to the present embodiment, it is possible torealize the non-contact power transmission/reception system 101 havingboth efficiency and safety.

In this connection, the control unit 117 may be configured to, whilegeneration of transmission power is performed at high power, performoutput so as to indicate that the transmission power is generated andsupplied at high power. The output is provided, for example, by displayto at least one of the display operation input unit 121 of thenon-contact power transmission device 100 and the display operationinput unit 221 of the non-contact power reception device 200, and/or bysound output from at least one of the sound input/output processing unit124 of the non-contact power transmission device 100 and the soundinput/output processing unit 224 of the non-contact power receptiondevice 200.

In the same manner as above, the control unit 117 may be configured to,while generation of transmission power is performed at low power,perform output so as to indicate that the transmission power isgenerated and supplied at low power.

In addition, in the embodiment described above, control may be performedso as to generate transmission power at low power at the time ofactivation, and thereafter generate transmission power at high powerwhen the person 390 is not detected.

Third Embodiment

Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will bedescribed. In the same manner as the second embodiment, in the presentembodiment, regardless of the presence or absence of the person 390 inthe bathroom 330, transmission of power is performed. In the presentembodiment, a level of transmission power is changed in accordance withthe surrounding environment of the bubble generator 220 which serves asthe non-contact power reception device 200. In the present embodiment,the presence or absence of a person does not matter.

The bubble generator 220 generates heat internally as being transferredwith power wirelessly, which may reduce operation efficiency or make itsreception power limited. In view of this problem, in the presentembodiment, depending on the cooling capacity (cooling environment) ofthe environment, in which the bubble generator 220 is arranged, withrespect to the bubble generator 220, the level of transmission power tobe generated by the non-contact power transmission device 100 ischanged.

Specifically, when the bubble generator 220 is not immersed in water ofthe bathtub 350, transmission power is generated at the lowest level(first power) and supplied to the bubble generator 220. When the bubblegenerator 220 is immersed in the water of the bathtub 350, the level ofpower to be generated and supplied is changed in accordance with thewater temperature. For example, when the water temperature is less thana predetermined water temperature threshold, transmission power isgenerated and supplied at the highest level (third power). Meanwhile,when the water temperature is equal to or greater than the watertemperature threshold, transmission power is generated at the level(second power) which is between the first power and the third power, andsupplied to the bubble generator 220.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the level of the firstpower is lower than that of the second power as described above,however, the levels of both power are not limited thereto. Depending onthe air temperature and the water temperature, the level of the secondpower may be set lower than that of the first power.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described focusing on someof the configuration which are different from those of the firstembodiment.

[Functional Block]

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the control unit 117 accordingto the present embodiment. As illustrated in this FIG. 12 , the controlunit 117 according to the present embodiment includes the signalreception unit 410, the transmission power generation instruction unit431, the transmission power generation stop instruction unit 432, andthe power determination unit 440.

When the non-contact power transmission device 100 according to thepresent embodiment is activated, the transmission power generationinstruction unit 431 provides the transmission power generation unit 120with an instruction to generate transmission power at the power leveldetermined by the power determination unit 440.

The power determination unit 440 determines the level of power accordingto an arrangement state of the bubble generator 220 which serves as thenon-contact power reception device 200, and outputs it to thetransmission power generation instruction unit 431.

In the present embodiment, when the bubble generator 220 is not immersedin the water, the level of the transmission power is determined to bethe lowest, that is, the first power. On the other hand, when the bubblegenerator 220 is immersed in the water and the water temperature is lessthan the water temperature threshold, the level of the transmissionpower is determined to be the highest, that is, the third power. Whenthe bubble generator 220 is immersed in the water while the watertemperature is equal to or greater than the water temperature threshold,the transmission power is determined to the second power of which thelevel is between the first power and the third power.

The power determination unit 440 determines whether the bubble generator220 is immersed in the water based on whether a water immersiondetection signal has been received from the water sensor unit 304. Thepower determination unit 440 receives the water immersion detectionsignal via the signal reception unit 410.

When the water sensor detects a water level and outputs the water levelas a water level signal, the power determination unit 440 compares anarrangement position of the bubble generator 220 with the water level todetermine whether the bubble generator 220 is immersed in the water. Thearrangement position of the bubble generator 220 is acquired by, forexample, size data of the bubble generator 220. The size data of thebubble generator 220 is stored in advance in the memory unit 118, etc.

The water temperature is determined by using a water temperaturedetection signal from the water sensor unit 304. The power determinationunit 440 receives the water temperature detection signal also via thesignal reception unit 410.

[Transmission Power Generation Processing]

Hereinafter, a transmission power generation processing flow performedby the control unit 117 according to the present embodiment will bedescribed. FIG. 13 is a processing flow of the transmission powergeneration processing according to the present embodiment. Thetransmission power generation processing starts when the non-contactpower transmission device 100 is activated. It is configured such that abattery level detection signal is transmitted to the non-contact powertransmission device 100 when the battery 214 is fully charged.

The power determination unit 440 determines whether a water immersionsignal has been received (step S3101). When receiving the waterimmersion signal, the power determination unit 440 determines the levelof the transmission power to be the first power, and notifies it to thetransmission power generation instruction unit 431.

Upon receiving the notification, the transmission power generationinstruction unit 431 makes the transmission power generation unit 120generate the transmission power at the first power (step S3103).

On the other hand, when not receiving the water immersion signal, thepower determination unit 440 determines whether the water temperature isequal to or greater than a water temperature threshold TH1 (step S3102).When the water temperature is equal to or greater than the watertemperature threshold TH1, the power determination unit 440 determinesthe level of the transmission power to be the second power, and notifiesit to the transmission power generation instruction unit 431.

Upon receiving the notification, the transmission power generationinstruction unit 431 makes the transmission power generation unit 120generate the transmission power at the second power (step S3103).

On the other hand, when the water temperature is less than the watertemperature threshold TH1, the power determination unit 440 determinesthe level of the transmission power to be the third power, and notifiesit to the transmission power generation instruction unit 431.

Upon receiving the notification, the transmission power generationinstruction unit 431 makes the transmission power generation unit 120generate the transmission power at the third power (step S3103).

The processes after determining the level of the transmission power arethe same as those after the step S2105 of the second embodiment. Thatis, the control unit 117 according to the present embodiment continuesthe processing above until an instruction of stopping is received orcharging is completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the bubblegenerator 220 is disposed in an environment where the temperature ofwater in the bathtub 350 is low and the cooling property is high, highpower is transmitted to the bubble generator 220 to charge the battery214 thereof. On the other hand, when the water temperature is higherthan a predetermined temperature, the power lower than the high power istransmitted to the bubble generator 220. In addition, when the bubblegenerator 220 is not immersed in the water, the power is transmitted tothe bubble generator 220 at the level which is different from that ofthe power to be transmitted when the bubble generator 220 is immersed inthe water.

With this configuration, according to the present embodiment, it ispossible to enhance heat dissipation in accordance with the watertemperature in the bathtub 350 in which the bubble generator 220 isimmersed so as to suppress heat generation in the bubble generator 220,while charging the battery 214 of the bubble generator 220 at higherspeed with high cooling efficiency.

In the embodiment described above, only one water temperature thresholdis set, meanwhile, the number of water temperature threshold is notrestricted to one. When a plurality of water temperature thresholds isset and it is configured that, as the water temperature is low, thepower is transmitted at the lower level depending on each of thethresholds, it is possible to control the transmission power more finelyand stepwise so as to further optimize a charging operation inaccordance with the cooling capability.

The present embodiment may be combined with the first embodiment and itsmodifications.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Inthe present embodiment, power is transmitted only to the non-contactpower reception device 200 registered in advance as a power transmissiontarget. In other words, in the present embodiment, the non-contact powertransmission device 100 generates transmitted power when a preliminaryregistered non-contact power reception device 200 is disposed around thenon-contact power transmission device 100.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described focusing on someof the configuration which are different from those of the firstembodiment.

[Functional Block]

In the present embodiment, the non-contact power reception device 200which is a supply target (power transfer target) of the transmissionpower is registered in advance. FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram ofthe control unit 117 according to the present embodiment, which is forrealizing the above.

As illustrated in FIG. 14 , the control unit 117 according to thepresent embodiment includes a preliminary information registration unit451, a matching unit 452, a transmission power generation instructionunit 431, and a transmission power generation stop instruction unit 432.

The preliminary information registration unit 451 registers thenon-contact power reception device 200 in advance so as to permit it tobe supplied with power. In the present embodiment, for example, thepreliminary information registration unit 451 acquires identificationinformation (power reception device recognition information) of thenon-contact power reception device 200 to be permitted and stores it inthe memory unit 118 as registration information 459.

The power reception device recognition information is acquired, forexample, by accepting an input from the user via the display operationinput unit 121. It may be acquired via the near field communication unit123.

The matching unit 452 performs authentication prior to generation oftransmission power. In the present embodiment, the matching unit 452generates a recognition information request and transmits it to thenon-contact power reception device 200. Then, the matching unit 452matches the returned power reception device recognition information withthe power reception device recognition information registered as theregistration information 459 so as to perform authentication. When theymatch each other, the authentication is considered successful, and whenthey do not match each other, the authentication is consideredunsuccessful. Then, the matching unit 452 transmits an authenticationresult to the transmission power generation instruction unit 431.

The matching unit 452 transmits and receives the authenticationinformation request and the authentication information via the nearfield communication unit 123 and the near field communication unit 223.

The power reception device recognition information to be acquired as theregistration information 459 is also held at the non-contact powerreception device 200 side. When receiving the recognition informationrequest from the non-contact power transmission device 100, thenon-contact power reception device 200 returns the power receptiondevice recognition information to the non-contact power transmissiondevice 100 which is a request source.

FIG. 15 illustrates an overall processing flow performed by the controlunit 117 according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 15 , in the present embodiment, first, thepreliminary information registration unit 451 performs preliminaryregistration processing (step S4301). After the preliminary registrationprocessing is performed, the control unit 117 performs transmissionpower generation and transmission processing (step S4302). Thepreliminary registration processing is performed separately from thetransmission power generation and transmission processing.

[Transmission Power Generation Processing]

Hereinafter, a transmission power generation processing flow performedby the control unit 117 according to the present embodiment, of whichthe preliminary registration processing has been completed, will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 16 .

First, the matching unit 452 generates an authentication informationrequest and transmits it to the bubble generator 220 (step S4101).

The bubble generator 220 that has received the authenticationinformation request (step S4201) returns the power reception devicerecognition information held by itself to the non-contact powertransmission device 100, which is a request source, as theauthentication information (step S4202).

When receiving the returned power reception device recognitioninformation as the authentication information corresponding to theauthentication information request via the signal reception unit 410(step S4102), the matching unit 452 performs authentication (stepS4103). When the authentication fails, the processing is ended as it is.

At this time, an error message may be generated and displayed on thedisplay operation input unit 121, or may be output from the soundinput/output processing unit 124.

On the other hand, when the authentication is successful, the matchingunit 452 notifies the success of authentication to the transmissionpower generation instruction unit 431. Then, upon receiving thenotification, the transmission power generation instruction unit 431makes the transmission power generation unit 120 start generatingtransmission power (step S1102). Subsequent processes are the same asthose of the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, transmissionpower is supplied only to the non-contact power reception device 200registered in advance. With this configuration, it is possible toprevent the non-contact power transmission device 100 from transmittingpower to a non-contact power reception device that is not a target. Inother words, it is possible to perform non-contact power transfer onlywith respect to the non-contact power reception device 200 whichcorresponds to the non-contact power transmission device 100. As aresult, it is possible to improve safety with ease of use.

In this connection, while the matching and authentication work normallybetween the non-contact power transmission and reception devices andwhen power which is higher than the power grasped in advance istransmitted to the non-contact power reception device 200, there is apossibility that a metallic foreign substance is present within awireless power transfer area and the power is also transmitted thereto.Accordingly, the present embodiment may be configured to monitor thattransmission of power at the non-contact power transmission device 100side, and in such a case, stop wireless power transfer in order to avoida risk of abnormal heat generated in the metallic foreign substance dueto the wireless power transfer.

The present embodiment may be combined with the first embodiment, itsmodifications, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. In thepresent embodiment, authentication is performed not with respect to thenon-contact power reception device 200 to be transmitted, but withrespect to the person 390 (user) which is present near the non-contactpower transmission device 100. The non-contact power transmission device100 according to the present embodiment generates transmission powerwhen the person 390 therearound is a preliminary registered person. Inother words, in the present embodiment, when a preliminary registereduser is present around the non-contact power transmission device 100,the non-contact power transmission device 100 generates transmissionpower.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described focusing on someof the configuration which are different from those of the fourthembodiment. The configuration of the non-contact power transmissiondevice 100 of the present embodiment and the functional block of thecontrol unit 117 thereof are basically the same as those of the fourthembodiment. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, since anauthentication target is a person, the processing at that point isdifferent therefrom.

The preliminary information registration unit 451 according to thepresent embodiment is configured to register personal authenticationinformation of a user in advance. In the present embodiment, forexample, the user is prompted to input the personal authenticationinformation via the display operation input unit 121, and the input fromthe user is accepted. The received personal authentication informationis registered in the memory unit 118 as the registration information459.

The matching unit 452 performs user authentication prior to generationof transmission power. In this embodiment, the matching unit 452 promptsthe user to input the authentication information. Here, in the samemanner as the case of preliminary registration processing for example,the matching unit 452 prompts the user to input the personalauthentication information via the display operation input unit 121. Forexample, the matching unit 452 generates an authentication informationinput screen to display on a liquid crystal panel, etc. of the displayoperation input.

Upon receiving the input of the authentication information, the matchingunit 452 matches the authentication information with the registrationinformation 459 so as to perform authentication. When they match eachother, the authentication is considered successful, and when they do notmatch each other, the authentication is considered unsuccessful. Then,the matching unit 452 transmits an authentication result to thetransmission power generation instruction unit 431.

[Transmission Power Generation Processing]

Hereinafter, a transmission power generation processing flow performedby the control unit 117 according to the present embodiment, of whichthe preliminary registration processing has been completed, will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 17 .

First, the matching unit 452 requests an input of authenticationinformation (step S5101). Here, for example, the authenticationinformation input screen is generated to wait an input of theauthentication information from the user.

Upon receiving the input of the authentication information via thesignal reception unit 410 (step S5102) the matching unit 452 performsauthentication (step S5103). When the authentication fails, theprocessing is ended as it is.

At this time, an error message may be generated and displayed on thedisplay operation input unit 121, or may be output from the soundinput/output processing unit 124.

On the other hand, when the authentication is successful, the matchingunit 452 notifies the success of authentication to the transmissionpower generation instruction unit 431. Then, upon receiving thenotification, the transmission power generation instruction unit 431makes the transmission power generation unit 120 start generatingtransmission power (step S1102). Subsequent processes are the same asthose of the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a userregistered in advance is therearound, generation and transmission ofpower is performed. That is, the present embodiment is configured toconfirm that the user is not a user who may cause a problem in use ofthe non-contact power transmission device 100, and then allow thenon-contact power transmission device 100 to be used by the user.

With this configuration, for example, it is possible to prevent thenon-contact power transmission device 100 from being used when apacemaker wearer is present near the non-contact power transmissiondevice 100. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent use by littlechildren who are difficult to confirm safety of the use environment ofthe non-contact power transmission device 100. On the other hand, theseusers are not precluded from using the function of the bubble generator220 in the bathtub 350. As a result, it is possible to provide thenon-contact power transmission/reception system 101 which is high insafety and does not sacrifice convenience.

In the present embodiment, the user authentication result may benotified to the user. A notification method is the same as that of eachof the embodiments described above.

The present embodiment also can be combined with each of the embodimentsdescribed above and their modifications.

Sixth Embodiment

A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In thepresent embodiment, when a battery level of the non-contact powerreception device 200 lowers, charging is automatically performed duringa time period in which usually no person is present. Here, aspreliminary information, a chargeable time is registered. In otherwords, in the present embodiment, depending on a device state at thenon-contact power reception device 200 side, in a situation where thereis a high possibility that no person 390 is present around thenon-contact power transmission device 100, the non-contact powertransmission device 100 generates transmission power.

The non-contact power transmission/reception system 101 according to thepresent embodiment basically has the same configuration as that of thefourth embodiment. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, information tobe registered in advance is different from the one as described above.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described focusing on someof the configuration different from those of the fourth embodiment.

The preliminary information registration unit 451 of the presentembodiment accepts registration of a chargeable time from the user inadvance. The chargeable time is a time in which the non-contact powertransmission device 100 can be operated. During this time, thenon-contact power transmission device 100 is operated to generatetransmission power.

Upon receiving a low battery level signal, which will be describedlater, from the non-contact power reception device 200 (bubble generator220) side, the matching unit 452 according to the present embodimentmatches the current time with the chargeable time to determine whetherthe current time is the chargeable time. Then, the matching unit 452transmits a determination result to the transmission power generationinstruction unit 431.

In the present embodiment, at the non-contact power reception device 200(bubble generator 220) side, registration of a battery level thresholdis accepted in advance and stored in the memory unit 218.

An input of the battery level threshold is accepted, for example, via asetting screen which is displayed on the display operation input unit221.

The battery level threshold is a value used to start charging thebattery 214, in other words, start generating power to be transmitted tothe non-contact power transmission device 100 when the battery levelbecomes equal to or less than the threshold.

In each of the embodiment described above, the battery level detectionunit 213 at the bubble generator 220 side has been described byreferring to an example in which the battery level detection unit 213 isconfigured to output a charge completion signal when the battery 214 isfully charged. Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the battery leveldetection unit 213 is configured to detect the battery level atpredetermined time intervals and compares it with the battery levelthreshold for each detection. Then, when the detected battery levelbecomes equal to or less than the battery level threshold, the batterylevel detection unit 213 transmits the low battery level signal to thenon-contact power transmission device 100.

[Transmission Power Generation Processing]

Hereinafter, a transmission power generation processing flow performedby the control unit 117 according to the present embodiment, of whichthe preliminary registration processing has been completed, will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 18 .

In the present embodiment, at the bubble generator 220 side, the batterylevel detection unit 213 detects the battery level at predetermined timeintervals and compares it with the battery level threshold which isregistered in advance (step S6201). When the detected battery levelbecomes equal to or less than the battery level threshold, the batterylevel detection unit 213 generates the low battery level signal andtransmits it to the non-contact power transmission device 100 via thenear field communication unit 223 (step S6202).

Upon receiving the low battery level signal via the signal receptionunit 410, the matching unit 452 matches the current time with achargeable time to determine whether the current time is a time in whichautomatic charging is allowed (step S6102). When it does not correspondto the chargeable time, the processing is ended as it is.

At this time, an error message may be generated and displayed on thedisplay operation input unit 121, or may be output from the soundinput/output processing unit 124. In addition, it may be configured towait up to the chargeable time.

On the other hand, when determining that the current time corresponds tothe chargeable time, the matching unit 452 notifies a transmission powergeneration instruction to transmission power generation instruction unit431. Then, upon receiving the notification, the transmission powergeneration instruction unit 431 makes the transmission power generationunit 120 start generating transmission power (step S1102). Subsequentprocesses are the same as those of the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when thenon-contact power reception device 200 requires charging of the battery214 and when the current time corresponds to a time which is registeredin advance as a chargeable time, the non-contact power transmissiondevice 100 automatically generates transmission power and supplies it tothe non-contact power reception device 200. That is, in the non-contactpower reception device 200, charging is automatically performed. Inparticular, when a time in which the person 390 is not likely to bepresent near the non-contact power transmission device 100 is registeredin advance as a chargeable time, it is possible to provide thenon-contact power transmission/reception system 101 with high safety andusability.

The embodiment described above is configured that the battery levelthreshold is registered at the non-contact power reception device 200side and the battery level is compared with the threshold at thenon-contact power reception device 200 side. Meanwhile, the presentinvention is not limited thereto.

For example, the battery level threshold may be registered in the memoryunit 118 at the non-contact power transmission device 100 side. At thenon-contact power reception device 200 side, every time the batterylevel is detected, the battery level detection unit 213 transmits it tothe non-contact power transmission device 100 via the near fieldcommunication unit 223. Then, the control unit 117 determines whetherthe battery level is equal to or less than the battery level threshold.

<Modification>

In the embodiment described above, the user sets a chargeable time.Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to the method above. Forexample, the control unit 117 may be configured to, when the chargeabletime is a time in which the person 390 is not likely to be near thenon-contact power transmission device 100, learn and automatically setsuch a time zone.

FIG. 19 illustrates a functional block of the control unit in the caseabove. In the present modification, the control unit includes the humandetection unit 420 and a learning unit 460.

The human detection unit 420 is configured in the same manner as that ofeach embodiment. That is, the human detection unit 420 receives a signalfrom each detection unit and detects the presence or absence of theperson 390 in the bathroom 330. In the present embodiment, at this time,the human detection unit 420 also acquires time information of a periodin which the person 390 is not detected (absence period) and transmitsit to the learning unit 460.

The learning unit 460 accumulates the time information of the absentperiod for each predetermined period, performs statistical processing,and calculates a chargeable period. In the present embodiment, forexample, the learning unit 460 accumulates, by an hour in a day (24hours), information as to whether the person 390 is absent in each timezone. Then, the learning unit 460 calculates (determines), as achargeable period, a time period in which the person 390 is determinedto be absent at a predetermined ratio or more from among the accumulatedinformation.

With such a learning function, it is possible to realize the non-contactpower transmission/reception system 101 with higher convenience.

<Modification>

The embodiments described above and their modifications have beendescribed with an example in which the non-contact power transmissiondevice 100 includes the illumination lighting detection unit 301, thehuman sensor unit 302, the user authentication sensor unit 303, and thedoor opening/closing lock detection unit 305. Meanwhile, the non-contactpower reception device 200 may be configured to include these detectionunits and transmit detection signals to the non-contact powertransmission device 100 by means of near field communication.

Furthermore, the illumination lighting detection unit 301, the humansensor unit 302, the user authentication sensor unit 303, and the dooropening/closing lock detection unit 305 may be disposed at optimumpositions in the bathroom 330 as devices which are separated from thenon-contact power transmission device 100. In this case, each detectionunit includes a near field communication unit, and is configured totransmit detection signals by each detection unit to the non-contactpower transmission device 100 by means of near field communication.

As illustrated in FIG. 20 , the water sensor unit 304 may be provided atthe bubble generator 220 side. FIG. 20 schematically illustrates anexample in which the water sensor unit 304 is provided at the bubblegenerator 220 side. In FIG. 20 , the components illustrated in FIG. 1and provided with the same reference signs have the same functions asthose already described in FIG. 1 . Accordingly, detailed explanationthereof will be omitted.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 20 , a water immersion detectionsignal and a water temperature detection signal are generated by thewater sensor unit 304 provided at the bubble generator 220 serving as anon-contact power reception device 200, and then transmitted to thenon-contact power transmission device 100 by means of near fieldcommunication. With this configuration, it is possible to obtain thesame operations and effects as those of each of the embodiments abovewhich are described with reference to FIG. 1 .

Still further, since the water sensor unit 304 is provided at the bubblegenerator 220 side, it is possible to accurately and reliably detectthat the bubble generator 220 is immersed in water of the bathtub 350and the water temperature.

In the present modification, a plurality of water sensor units 304 maybe provided. With this configuration, it is possible to further improvedetection accuracy of a state of the bubble generator 220 and the watertemperature.

The embodiments described above and their modifications have beendescribed with an example in which the bubble generator 220 generatesbubbles in a bathtub as the non-contact power reception device 200.Meanwhile, the non-contact power reception device 200 is not limitedthereto. For example, as long as the non-contact power reception device200 is used in a bathroom and configured that the battery 214 in thedevice is charged by wireless power transfer, there is no restriction onthe kind of the device. For example, it may be a massage device, aportable information terminal such as a smart phone, and beaty equipmentsuch as an electric shaver, an epilator, a hair shaver, and an electrictoothbrush. Some part of an embodiment and a modification may be furthermodified depending on whether it used in water, however, the sameoperations and effects can be obtained therefrom while having adifference only in an operation of the functional unit 215.

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates an example in which a portableinformation terminal 230 such as a smart phone is used as thenon-contact power reception device 200. In FIG. 21 , the componentsillustrated in FIG. 1 , FIG. 20 , and FIG. 2 and provided with the samereference signs have the same functions as those already described ineach of the drawings. Accordingly, detailed explanation thereof will beomitted.

FIG. 21 illustrates a case where, for example, the non-contact powertransmission device 100 is installed outside the bathroom 330. In thiscase, the portable information terminal 230 is disposed, for example, atone end of the bathtub 350. Then, the portable information terminal 230is wirelessly transferred with. power from the non-contact powertransmission device 100 disposed outside the bathroom 330 via thebathroom wall surface 331 so that the battery 214 is charged. In thiscase, the portable information terminal 230 may be disposed in thewireless power transfer area of the non-contact power transmissiondevice 100.

According to the illustrated example, the portable information terminal230 can be freely used in the bathroom 330 without any arrangementconstraints while the battery 214 is charged by wireless power transfer.For example, the user may hold and operate the portable informationterminal 230 by hand while the battery 214 is charged. With thisconfiguration, the user can use the portable information terminal 230without worrying about the battery level, thereby greatly improving theusability of the portable information terminal 230.

FIG. 22 schematically illustrates an example in which an electric shaver240 is used as the non-contact power reception device 200. In FIG. 22 ,the components illustrated in FIG. 1 , FIG. 20 , and FIG. 2 and providedwith the same reference signs have the same functions as those alreadydescribed in each of the drawings. Accordingly, detailed explanationthereof will be omitted.

As illustrated in FIG. 22 , the electric shaver 240 is placed on a stand241 prior to use, and is wirelessly transferred with power from thenon-contact power transmission device 100 via the stand 241 so that thebattery 214 is charged. The non-contact power transmission device 100may be disposed, for example, next to a mirror 382 or a faucet 383 inthe bathroom 330.

In this case, when the electric shaver 240 is within the wireless powertransfer area of the non-contact power transmission device 100, thefunction of the electric shaver 240 can be used without worrying aboutthe battery level while the battery is charged by wireless powertransfer. With this configuration, the usability of the electric shaver240 can be improved.

In this connection, when the non-contact power reception device 200 isthe portable information terminal 230 or the electric shaver 240, thetransmission power generation processing of the non-contact powertransmission device 100 may include a process of mislaying prevention.

For example, the non-contact power transmission device 100 may beconfigured to detect whether the non-contact power reception device 200is mislaid after charging is completed, when the user leaves thebathroom 330 and thus absent in the bathroom 330. Whether the user isabsent is detected by the human detection unit 420 as described above.

The non-contact power transmission device 100 transmits a presenceconfirmation signal to the non-contact power reception device 200 byusing a near field communication function so as to detect whether thenon-contact power reception device 200 is present in the bathroom 330.When receiving the presence confirmation signal from another device, thenon-contact power reception device 200 makes a reply to another devicewhich is a transmission source.

The control unit 117 of the non-contact power transmission device 100determines that the device is present in the bathroom 330 when thenon-contact power transmission device 100 receives the reply to thetransmitted presence confirmation signal.

The control unit 117 of the non-contact power transmission device 100determines mislaying occurs when charging is completed, when thenon-contact power reception device 200 is present therearound, and whenit is determined that the person 390 is absent. Then, the control unit117 outputs a warning.

Here, the warning to be output is, for example, includes displaying awarning on the display operation input unit 121 of the non-contact powertransmission device 100, outputting a sound notification from the soundinput/output processing unit 124, displaying a warning on the displayoperation input unit 221 of the non-contact power reception device 200,and outputting a sound notification from the sound input/outputprocessing unit 224.

When the non-contact power reception device 200 is the portableinformation terminal 230, the control unit 117 may be configured to senda notification to the portable information terminal 230 by an e-mail,etc. In this case, the non-contact power transmission device 100 storesan e-mail address, etc. of a device to be supplied with power as theregistration information 459 in advance.

Furthermore, the embodiments described above and their modificationshave been described with an example in which inductive coupling is usedas a method of wireless power transfer (non-contact power transmission),meanwhile, the wireless power transfer is not limited thereto. Forexample, it may be a method such as by magnetic field resonance ormicrowave power transfer.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to theembodiments described above and their modifications, and variousmodified examples are included. For example, the embodiments describedabove and their modifications are intended to be provided to explain thepresent invention in a way that is easy to understand, and notnecessarily limited to those having all the configurations describedabove. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of theconfiguration of one embodiment with the configuration of anotherembodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of oneembodiment to the configuration of another embodiment. Furthermore, itis possible to add, delete, and replace a part of the configuration ofeach embodiment.

Still further, each of the above-described configurations, functions,processing units, processing means, etc. may be partially or entirelyimplemented in hardware by, for example, designing an integratedcircuit. The above-described configurations and functions may berealized by software in which programs used to realize each function bya processer are interpreted and executed. Information of such asprograms, tables, and files that realize each function can be stored inthe memory unit 118, the memory unit 218, a recording device such as ahard disk or an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a recording medium such asan IC card, an SD card, or a DVD.

Still further, the control lines and the information lines which areconsidered to be necessary for the purpose of explanation are indicatedherein, and not all the control lines and the information lines ofactual products are necessarily indicated. It may be considered thatalmost all the configurations are actually connected to each other.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

100: non-contact power transmission device, 101: non-contact powertransmission/reception system, 111: rectifier unit, 112: DC-DC converterunit, 113: resonance frequency generation unit, 114: amplification unit,115: transmission power generation amplification unit, 116: powertransfer coil, 117: control unit, 117 c: CPU, 117 r: RAM, 118: memoryunit, 120: transmission power generation unit, 121: display operationinput unit, 122: communication unit, 123: near field communication unit,124: sound input/output processing unit, 125: transmission/receptionantenna, 129: bus

200: non-contact power reception device, 211: rectifier unit, 212: DCvoltage current supply unit, 213: battery level detection unit, 214:battery, 215: functional unit, 216: power receiving coil, 217: controlunit, 217 c: CPU, 217 r: RAM, 218: memory unit, 220: bubble generator,221: display operation input unit, 222: communication unit, 223: nearfield communication unit, 224: sound input/output processing unit, 225:transmission/reception antenna, 229: bus, 230: portable informationterminal, 240: electric shaver, 241: stand

301: illumination lighting detection unit, 302: human sensor unit, 303:user authentication sensor unit, 304: water sensor unit, 305: dooropening/closing lock detection unit, 330: bathroom, 331: bathroom wallsurface, 332: bathroom door, 333: door knob, 340: bathtub water heatingdevice, 341: heating unit, 342: power switch, 350: bathtub, 360:bathroom illumination, 361: lighting SW, 370: commercial power source,382: mirror, 383: faucet, 390: person

410: signal reception unit, 420: human detection unit, 431: transmissionpower generation instruction unit, 432: transmission power generationstop instruction unit, 440: power determination unit, 451: preliminaryinformation registration unit, 452: matching unit, 459: registrationinformation, 460: learning unit

1. A non-contact power transmission device that wirelessly transfersgenerated transmission power to a non-contact power reception device,the non-contact power transmission device comprising: a transmissionpower generation unit configured to perform generation of thetransmission power; and a control unit configured to control thegeneration of the transmission power which is performed by thetransmission power generation unit, wherein the control unit is furtherconfigured to control the generation of the transmission power which isperformed by the transmission power generation unit in accordance with asurrounding environment in which at least one of the non-contact powertransmission device and the non-contact power reception device, or atleast one of a state of the non-contact power transmission device and astate of the non-contact power reception device.
 2. The non-contactpower transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the control unitis further configured to make the transmission power generation unitgenerate the transmission power in a case of determining that a personis detected in a predetermined range around the non-contact powertransmission device.
 3. The non-contact power transmission deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the control unit is further configured todetermine that the person is detected in a case of receiving a humandetection signal output from a human sensor configured to output thehuman detection signal when the person is detected in the range.
 4. Thenon-contact power transmission device according to claim 3, wherein thecontrol unit is further configured to make the transmission powergeneration unit stop the generation of the transmission power in a caseof not detecting the person in the range in a predetermined period afterthe generation of the transmission power is started.
 5. The non-contactpower transmission device according to claim 2, wherein the control unitis further configured to determine that the person is detected in a caseof receiving an illumination lighting detection signal from anillumination lighting detection unit configured to output theillumination lighting detection signal when an illumination is turned onin the range.
 6. The non-contact power transmission device according toclaim 2, wherein the control unit is further configured to determinethat the person is detected in a case of receiving an illuminationlighting detection signal from an illumination lighting detection unitconfigured to output the illumination lighting detection signal when anillumination is turned on in the range, as well as receiving a dooropening/closing detection signal from a door opening/closing lockdetection unit configured to output the door opening/closing detectionsignal when a door opening/closing operation is made to enter the range.7. The non-contact power transmission device according to claim 7,wherein the control unit is further configured to determine that theperson is detected in a case of receiving an illumination lightingdetection signal from an illumination lighting detection unit configuredto output the illumination lighting detection signal when anillumination is turned on in the range, as well as receiving a humandetection signal from a human detection sensor configured to output thehuman detection signal when the person is detected in the range.
 8. Thenon-contact power transmission device according to claim 2, the controlunit is further configured to determine that the person is detected in acase of receiving a lock detection signal from a door opening/closinglock detection unit configured to output the lock detection signal whena door lock operation is made to enter the range.
 9. The non-contactpower transmission device according to claim 8, wherein the control unitis further configured to, after the generation of the transmission poweris started, make the transmission power generation unit stop thegeneration of the transmission power in a case of receiving an unlockdetection signal output from the door opening/closing lock detectionunit when a door unlocking operation is made.
 10. The non-contact powertransmission device according to claim 2, wherein the controller isfurther configured to make, in a case of not detecting the person in therange, the transmission power generation unit generate the transmissionpower having higher power than transmission power which is generated ina case of determining that the person is detected.
 11. The non-contactpower transmission device according to claim 1, wherein the control unitis further configured to change a level of the transmission power to begenerated by the transmission power generation unit in accordance with acooling environment of the non-contact power reception device.
 12. Thenon-contact power transmission device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a memory unit configured to store identification informationof the non-contact power reception device which is a target of powertransfer in advance, wherein the control unit is further configured tomake the transmission power generation unit generate the transmissionpower when the non-contact power reception device of which theidentification information is stored in the memory unit is presentaround the non-contact power transmission device.
 13. The non-contactpower transmission device according to claim 1, further comprising amemory unit configured to store authentication information of a user inadvance, wherein the control unit is further configured to make thetransmission power generation unit generate the transmission power whena user of which the authentication information is stored in the memoryunit is present around the non-contact power transmission device. 14.The non-contact power transmission device according to claim 1, whereinthe control unit is further configured to make the transmission powergeneration unit generate the transmission power in a case of receiving abattery level lowering signal indicating that a battery level of thenon-contact power reception device is equal to or lower than apredetermined threshold.
 15. The non-contact power transmission deviceaccording to claim 14, further comprising a memory unit configured tostore a chargeable period in advance, wherein the control unit isfurther configured not to make the transmission power generation unitgenerate the transmission power when a current time does not correspondto the chargeable period even in a case of receiving the battery levellowering signal.
 16. The non-contact power transmission device accordingto claim 15, wherein the control unit includes a learning unitconfigured to accumulate a period in which the person is detected aroundthe non-contact power reception device and determine the chargeableperiod based on a result of accumulation.
 17. A non-contact powertransmission/reception system comprising: the non-contact powertransmission device according to claim 1; and the non-contact powerreception device, wherein the non-contact power reception deviceincludes: a battery that is charged with transmission power transferredfrom the non-contact power transmission device; and a battery leveldetection unit configured to detect a battery level of the battery, andwhen the battery level is equal to or lower than a predeterminedthreshold, transmit a battery level lowering signal to the non-contactpower transmission device, and the control unit of the non-contact powertransmission device is configured to make the transmission powergeneration unit generate the transmission power in a case of receivingthe battery level lowering signal.